November 2008

This week’’s question concerns nuclear energy. A company in New Mexico has started producing hot tub-sized nuclear generators they hope will soon provide communities throughout America with affordable energy. Powered by low-enriched uranium fuel, each Hyperion Power Module will reportedly produce enough clean, safe, and environmentally friendly energy to reliably power 20,000 standard American homes for 10 cents per watt. The units will be factory sealed, buried underground, and, of course, guarded for maximum security. According to the manufacturer, each module will produce a softball-sized amount of recyclable waste every five years, no greenhouse gases whatsoever, and there is no risk of meltdown because the fuel cools instantly if a module is opened. Sounds good, except, perhaps, for the part about having a small nuclear reactor in your backyard. What do you think? Would you power your home with nuclear energy?
Vote here.